Become a Volunteer

Give Your Time… and Your Heart

Why Volunteer?

Our animals come to us with a variety of needs… emotional, social, financial, and medical. By donating your time, you can simultaneously help offset the cost of running the shelter and keep our animals happy, healthy, and ready to find new homes. The time and effort our volunteers give to the shelter is invaluable and incredible. Simply put, we couldn’t do what we do without them.

Already a volunteer? Click here to login to our Volunteer Portal!

Become a Volunteer

How to Become a Volunteer

To become a volunteer, begin by completing our online volunteer application form. You can complete it online, print it out and mail it, or bring it to the shelter in person.

Next, we’ll ask you to complete a volunteer orientation session where you’ll get to:

Receive your volunteer handbook.
Learn about HSHC’s history and operating philosophy.
Discover the best ways to match your skills and interests with our needs.
Tour the facility and meet our adoptable pets.

Volunteer Application

Volunteering by the Numbers

35000

Hours volunteered in 2018
350000

Approximate dollar value of volunteer time in 2018
518

Volunteers serving HSHC
32

Different volunteer opportunities at any given time
  • 01.

    Volunteer Opportunities for Adults

    We have lots of jobs for our adult shelter volunteers. Some of the most pressing areas include:

    • Operations Support
    • Cat Enrichment
    • Dog Walking/Cat Loving
    • Animal Transport
    • Special Events (both on-site & off-site)
    • Special Office Projects
    • Fundraising/Marketing Support
    • Trends for Tails Resale Boutique Support
    • Building Maintenance & Lawn Care Projects

    See our FAQs below for details!

    Become a Volunteer
  • 02.

    Group Volunteer Opportunities

    Many organizations encourage their employees to give back to the community. Some even offer a paid day off to do it! If you’d like to organize a group volunteer day at the shelter, please read our Group Volunteer Policies here. You can download the form linked in the button below and email it back to our Volunteer Program Manager at volunteers@hamiltonhumane.com. If you have any questions, please contact our Volunteer Program Manager.

    Group Volunteer Form
  • 03.

    Scout Program Volunteer Opportunities

    Encourage your troop to sponsor an animal in need! For more information, contact our Volunteer Manager at volunteers@hamiltonhumane.com.

    Contact Us
  • 04.

    Opportunities for Junior Volunteers

    HSHC welcomes children 12-15 years of age to join our Junior Volunteer Program when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  The purpose of this program is for children to learn the importance of animal care and the responsibilities that go with it.  This is also a great opportunity for parents and children to spend quality time together while helping to make a difference in the lives of animals. Click here to read our Junior Volunteer Program guidelines.

    Shop Our Wish List
  • 05.

    Student Volunteer Program

    HSHC offers a Student Volunteer Program for those students in need of completing service hours for their class requirements or club service projects.  Students who wish to enter this program will be able to assist HSHC with a variety of volunteer opportunities.

    Opportunities include but are not limited to:

    • Support Help at our facility doing tasks such as laundry, dishes, cleaning, working in our food storage room, and helping us maintain our grounds.
    • Assisting the staff in various office tasks.
    • Assisting us in keeping our off-site storage units clean and organized.
    • Assisting at off-site events.

    Click here to read our Student Volunteer Program guidelines.

    Contact Us
  • 06.

    Court Ordered Community Service

    The Court Ordered Community Service Program is available for individuals who are required to complete court ordered community service hours. Click here to read our Court Ordered Community Service Program guidelines.

    Email Volunteer Program Manager

Volunteer Spotlight: Chris

Read Her Story

“After walking a 5k with Paws for a Cause in July 2017, then talking with a volunteer from HSHC who was there with an adoptable dog, I decided to become a volunteer.    I have always loved dogs and I love the idea of helping to meet the needs of rescue dogs.  Since I can’t bring them all home, I truly enjoy volunteering with HSHC, helping to feed dogs, walk them, take them offsite for a shelter break, help find rescue groups for those who need it, and even transporting them to the rescue.   What I did not anticipate were the wonderful friendships I would establish with staff and volunteers, like-minded people who truly care about animals in need and go to such great lengths to save these animals.   I feel so blessed to be part of Team DW, the amazing group of dog walkers who go above and beyond to make sure each dog gets to spend quality time outside every day.   Volunteering with HSHC brightens my day, so thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a great organization. “

  • Christina Beck became a volunteer for HSHC on July 27th, 2017.  Since her orientation, she has logged over 580 hours of volunteer service.

    Chris, Volunteer

Love & Let Live

Every animal deserves a second chance at love — and life. We invite you to be part of the solution and give back to the animals who give us so much.

Adopt Donate Volunteer Foster